Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 5:32

"I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." — Luke 5:32 (ASV)

Jesus not only originated certain proverbs and parables but also made wise use of current ones. So, citing a self-evident proverb of his day, he described his mission in terms that he would go on to amplify in the parables in chapter 15. Since no one is truly “righteous,” Jesus used the word here either in a relative sense or with a touch of sarcasm. Jesus implies that the Pharisees only thought that they were righteous; his point is that they must first acknowledge themselves to be sinners before they can truly respond to the call “to repentance.” With this word, Luke introduces a topic of major importance.

While the Gospel of grace and forgiveness is for everyone (2:10), repentance is a prerequisite to its reception (cf. 18:11–14).

Levi’s banquet leads to further questions about religious practices, particularly fasting and prayer. These practices were considered significant indications of religious devotion. Fasting was actually only prescribed for one day in the year but was practiced as a religious exercise at least twice a week by the Pharisees (cf. 18:12). In contrast to the two previous incidents (vv.21, 30), this time the leaders challenge Jesus directly.